Sex, Etc.

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Smart sex-ed site puts spotlight on teen contributors.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this comprehensive sex ed site was created by experts at Rutgers University. It includes frank, fact-based information about anatomy, safer sex, resisting sexual pressure, pregnancy options, sexual orientation, and a range of other issues related to sexual health and relationships. Many of the articles are written by teens (and edited by staff), who share their personal experiences with these topics. The site is geared to both guys and girls.

  • The site encourages teens to take care of their sexual and emotional health, to seek help when they need it, and to respect others. A diverse array of teens are represented, from a Christian teen writing about struggles with homophobia to a first-person article about sexuality and disability.
  • The site addresses bullying, rape, abusive relationships, self-injury, and similar topics.
  • Provides medically accurate information on anatomy, STDs, birth control, pregnancy, masturbation, abortion, adoption, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other issues related to sex and health.
  • When asking questions, teens sometimes use sexual slang instead of clinical terms for body parts or sex acts.
  • Not applicable.
  • There are cautionary messages about drinking, smoking, and using drugs -- including how they can be detrimental to sexual and emotional health.
  • Teens can access most of the site's content without registering. Registration requires a user name, email address, birth date, and location; only user names are displayed on the site.  

Is it any good?

 

Colorful and engaging, SEX, ETC. goes beyond the birds and the bees -- as its blog is titled -- to share helpful information on staying sexually and emotionally healthy. In addition to advice from experts, the site showcases first-person stories by teen contributors, who represent a diverse array of backgrounds. Hearing from their peers can reassure teens that they're not alone when it comes to questions about their bodies, trouble with bullies, pressure to have sex, and other common concerns. The site smartly recognizes that the media can be a major source of myths and misinformation about sex and encourages teens to think critically about what they see and hear.

Online interaction: Users who register can ask questions, post in forums, comment on articles, and share their stories. Content is moderated before it's published, and interactions are respectful.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about media messages about sex. What TV shows or movies depict sex and relationships in a way that's realistic?

  • Every family has different opinions on the best approach to discussing sex and sexual health. Talk about your values and expectations when it comes to sex. Some teens are afraid to talk to their parents about sex. Would your teens feel comfortable approaching you if they had a question or concern? Why or why not? 

  • How do you know who (or what) is a trustworthy source of information?


This review was written by Susan Yudt
Teen, 15 years old
September 15, 2011
 
ok
This site isn't bad. It goes into a lot of detail, but many teens are going to have to find out sooner or later. It gives the right info though. It depends on the maturity of the teen if it's ok for them.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
October 6, 2011
 
This site tries to make itself a safe target, but instead fails.
Sex, Etc. Is an easily accessible site that offers advice on sex and puberty for teens. Unfortunately, the site implies that having sex is OK as long as you use protection. This is why the site is covered with tips on what condoms to wear, what lube to use, how to use your birth control, etc. So, basically this site increases teens to think that having sex at a young age is OK. If this site were targeted for adults rather then teens, then it would have more hope. Violence: The site discusses self injury, rape, bullying, and other similar topics. Language: Teens often use the F-word in terms of sex and words like "pu--y", and "D-ck" are used for private body parts. Sex: Sex is what this site is all about. From condoms, sexual positions, and sexual forums. Sex is the main topic for this site even the title itself. Luckily, there is no nudity and or pornographic entertainment. Drinking/Drugs: Discussion of drugs and cigarettes is talked about as something harmful to both sex and the human body. Messages and Role Models: Despite the fact that this site gives teens some good advice. There are plenty of tips on how to have sex at a safe level, practically making it easier on teens to decide whether to have sex or not.

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This review was written by Susan Yudt
Genre:Educational

This review was written by Susan Yudt

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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